There is more gum disease today than 2,000 years ago. Researchers looked at the teeth of people who lived 2,000 years ago. Only 5 per cent of them had gum disease. Today, up to 30 per cent of people have gum disease. People did not have toothbrushes, toothpaste or dentists 2,000 years ago.

Smoking is the biggest reason for gum disease. A researcher said gum disease could go down if people stop smoking. Gum disease is because of bacteria in your mouth. The bacteria can make your teeth fall out. People can stop gum disease if they brush their teeth. They should also stop smoking.